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Four Winns

The History of Four Winns: A Premier Boat Manufacturing Brand

A family affair.

Creation of Four Winns

In 1975, John Winn, along with his father Bill Sr. and brothers Bill Jr. and Charlie, acquired a boat manufacturing company and launched the Four Winns brand.

Today, the Four Winns U.S. Shipyard stands as a global leader in the production of high-end bowriders designed for recreation and water sports.

First models

In 1978, Four Winns introduced its first models: Candia and Marquise. 

Candia was a family-style deck boat featuring a center console and a large seating area, ideal for family outings. 

Marquise was a lightweight, everyday runabout known for its excellent performance and versatility. 

When you buy a 4 - WINNS boat, you’re getting more than just a boat. You’re getting a tradition of quality handwork. You’re getting a boat built to take it - a boat built to make it easier for you to have fun.

In 1979, Four Winns launched the Catalina Tri-hull

It's a fast and stable boat offering great value. This model featured an open bow and a short-sided black frame windshield, making it a popular choice among boating enthusiasts.

New to the 4 Winns family, this speedy “tri-V” hull outboard will challenge anything on the lake its size.

Four Winns in the 1980s

Throughout most of the 1980s, Four Winns boats were easily recognized by their distinctive angular wraparound windshields.

Introduction of the Santara cuddy cabin

The brand expanded its range with the introduction of the Santara cuddy cabin, a versatile and stylish model that quickly became popular among boating enthusiasts.

First Dealer Meeting & Show

In 1981, Four Winns hosted its first dealer meeting and show.
The brand showcased its latest boat models on Lake Cadillac and offered exclusive plant tours, providing dealers with a firsthand look at their innovative manufacturing process and new offerings.

Launch of the Liberator 204

In 1983, Four Winns introduced the Liberator 204, marking the beginning of a new line of boats. This model received significant acclaim and was awarded "Most Impressive New Model" by Powerboat Magazine.

This one is for the young and the young at heart. Its racy off-shore styling will turn the most discriminating heads, as will its performance.

Introduction of the Horizon Line

In 1984, Four Winns launched the Horizon line, featuring both open bow and cuddy cabin models. The Horizon 190 was particularly notable, earning the title of "Best Value for Its Price Range" from Powerboat Magazine that same year. 

A 4-Winns 190 hull is built for big, rough water. We have combined hand laid hull strength with light weight to give you the excitement of speeds up to 36-40 mph.

Introduction of the Sundowner Line

In 1984, alongside the Horizon line, Four Winns introduced the Sundowner line. Marketed as an affordable family cruising boat, the Sundowner series featured a cuddy cabin and V-berth, providing a perfect upgrade for runabout owners seeking more comfort and versatility. 

The new flagship of the 4 Winns fleet simply is in a class by itself. It planes easily with large loads without the aid of trim tabs and can do it with small engines.

Liberator 211 Wins Powerboat Award

In 1985, the Liberator 211 emerged as the most popular boat in the Four Winns lineup. This model won the prestigious "Product Excellence" award from Powerboat Magazine, being voted the most impressive new model of the year. 

Introduction of the Freedom 160

In 1986, Four Winns introduced the Freedom 160, an entry-level runabout designed for new boaters. By 1989, the Freedom line expanded to include three models: the 150, 170, and 190, catering to a wider range of boating enthusiasts. 

It’s our most economical runabout but there’s no skimping on quality.

Introduction of the First Vista and OMC Acquisition

In 1987, Four Winns launched its first Vista, a boat designed for family cruising with a spacious cabin and clean exterior styling.  


That same year, OMC Boat Group acquired Four Winns, marking one of its 11 acquisitions.
Despite three of the four Winns family members departing, John Winn continued to lead Four Winns within OMC’s diverse portfolio of boat companies until 1995. 

Four Winns Boats in the 1990s

Throughout the 1990s, Four Winns boats were characterized by distinctive features including two-tone gel coats, clean lines, and curved wraparound windshields. The 1990 lineup included the following series:

  • Freedom: 150 - 195
  • Horizon: 180 - 220
  • Candia: 180 - 200
  • Sundowner: 205 - 255
  • Vista: 245 - 315
  • Liberator: 201 - 261

These series offered a range of models catering to various preferences and needs, reflecting Four Winns' commitment to quality and innovation throughout the decade.


Launch of the Stablee-Vee Running Surface

In 1993, Four Winns introduced the Stable-Vee hull design on its Horizon and Sundowner models in 19, 21, and 23-foot configurations.  

This groundbreaking innovation not only earned Popular Mechanics’ prestigious "Design and Engineering Award" in 1994 but also propelled the Horizon 210  to be recognized as "Performance Runabout of the Year" by Powerboat magazine that same year. 

By 1995, Four Winns had expanded the Stable-Vee hull design across its entire model lineup, revolutionizing the industry with its simplicity and effectiveness, ensuring the smoothest running surface and unparalleled boat handling capabilities worldwide. 

Our new patent-pending Stable-Vee hull planes quicker, corners flatter, handles more predictably and provides greater stability while running or at rest than any deep-vee hull we’ve ever offered.

Cockpit Innovation in Horizon and Sundowner Models

In 1996, Four Winns introduced an innovative cockpit layout on the new Horizon and Sundowner 200/205 IO’s. This redesign involved moving the helm forward and widening the beam, effectively maximizing cockpit space without compromising bow or cabin areas. 

Since the 2000's...

Boating Made Easy’ is the challenge Four Winns has set as our company mission. We want your entire experience to be so enticing that once you’ve become a Four Winns boater no other activity will bring such a level of contentment to your life.

Funship Series Introduction

In 2000, Four Winns replaced the Candia deckboat with the Funship series, featuring three new models. These boats are distinguished by their port side entrance, wrap-around windshield, and forward and aft swim platforms. 

Introduction of the SL Series

Introduced in 2008, the SL series from Four Winns won Trailer Boats’ prestigious "Excellence in Design Award" in 2009. Currently, the series includes three models: 222, 242, and 262, known for their innovative design and performance. 


Timeless Styling Across Five Series of Four Winns Boats Since 2009

Four Winns boats have maintained clean styling across all five series: Horizon bowriders, Horizon SS sport boats, the SL series, Funship deck boats, and Vista cruisers. This commitment to design consistency underscores Four Winns' dedication to timeless aesthetics and quality craftsmanship. 

Launch of the V575, Four Winns' Largest Boat

In 2010, Four Winns launched the V575, the largest boat in its fleet at 49 feet (15.03 meters). This yacht featured a hardtop and a semi-enclosed cockpit salon capable of accommodating up to 18 guests. With a draft of 3 feet (1.09 meters), it enjoyed successful sales in the market for 5 years. 

Four Winns has joined the Beneteau Group

In 2014, Four Winns joined Groupe Beneteau enhancing the motorboat range offerings.

This acquisition also brought a dedicated motorboat production unit to Cadillac, Michigan, consolidating manufacturing capabilities and expanding market presence. 

The Four Winns story continues

Revamping of the Iconic H-Series Models

Introduced in 2022, the redesigned H-series marks a transformative new chapter for Four Winns, ushering in an era of innovative design. By 2023, the bowrider lineup has been completely revamped, showcasing Four Winns' commitment to evolution. 

Launch of the H2e: Four Winns' All-Electric Bowrider

In November 2022, in collaboration with Vision Marine Technologies, Four Winns launched the H2e, the first all-electric series production bowrider in the market. This groundbreaking move solidifies Four Winns as an innovative pioneer, committed to enhancing the refined customer experience in boating.

Launch of the TH36 Catamaran by Four Winns

In September 2022, Four Winns introduced the TH36, a stunning new catamaran that marks the beginning of an entirely new range for the brand

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